Local school systems focusing on security amid concerns

A message on Prince William County Schools asks parents and educators to ignore misleading rumors. (Courtesy pwcs.schoolfusion.us)

WASHINGTON – At least four area school systems have posted notices about security on their homepages in an effort to squash rumors swirling on social media.

“There’s been a lot of chatter tied to recent events in Connecticut and the superstitions tied to the Mayan calendar,” says Philip Kavits, the director of communications with Prince William County Public Schools.

The school system has put up information explaining that there has been no credible threat found, and that any and all implied threats will be fully investigated, Kavits says.

Kavits emphasizes that security “is priority number one 24/7.” And that no concern will be dismissed. But he also adds, anyone who files a false report or incites disruption to the schools would face consequences.

“Police have made it clear that they will bring charges if appropriate,” Kavits said.

In the aftermath of last week’s shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, many school systems explained they’d have increased police presence near schools. These latest notifications about school safety are in addition to those measures.